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New Year's bathing 2026: Tradition meets health on the North and Baltic Seas!
Find out everything about the tradition of ice bathing on the North and Baltic Sea coasts in Schleswig-Holstein on New Year's Day.
New Year's bathing 2026: Tradition meets health on the North and Baltic Seas!
When the New Year is rung in in Schleswig-Holstein, many stalwarts head to the cold waters of the North and Baltic Seas. On January 1st, it is traditional to jump into the icy water while bathing. While water temperatures often drop below 10 degrees Celsius, a growing number of people are looking forward to this refreshing experience. Loud NDR However, some rules and registrations are observed.
Regardless of whether in Büsum or Wyk auf Föhr, prior registration is mandatory here - in Büsum directly on site, while Wyk requires online registration. On Heligoland, however, you can simply jump into the cold water without having to reserve a place beforehand. On Sylt, where the popular New Year's event is already fully booked, spontaneous participation is possible from 1:30 p.m. For the die-hards, there is even a pre-event for Christmas swimming in Westerland, which takes place on Boxing Day - but the same applies here: please register!
Health benefits and recommendations
Ice bathing is not only fun, it also has proven health benefits. Studies show that regular ice bathing can strengthen the immune system and even release feel-good hormones. According to a meta-study from the University of South Australia, participants reported better quality of life after cold water treatments. What is particularly interesting is that an increase in white blood cells was observed, which could support the immune system, such as Research and knowledge explained.
The DLRG recommends a health check before jumping into the water, especially for beginners. If you have cardiac arrhythmias, it is better to avoid ice bathing. Here are some tried and tested tips for making the cold bath safe: The circulation should be stable, entering the water slowly is the top priority, and the head should always remain dry. Wearing a hat and quickly slipping into warm clothing after swimming will help prevent cold shock.
Tradition and dates
In the region, ice bathing is traditionally not only celebrated on New Year's Day. Many communities offer the opportunity to cool off in the water on New Year's Eve. Here is an overview of some dates:
- TSV Otterndorf: Eisbaden am Silvestertag ab 14 Uhr im „See achtern Diek“ bei Cuxhaven.
- Butjadingen: Eisbaden am 1. Januar ab 13 Uhr in der Nordsee-Lagune.
- Borkum: Treffen um 12 Uhr am Vereinshaus Middelhüsche, Anmeldung erforderlich.
- Juist: Eisbaden um 12 Uhr, Anmeldung erforderlich.
- Norderney: Anbaden am 1. Januar um 12 Uhr am Weststrand.
- Norddeich: Eisbaden am Neujahrstag um 11:30 Uhr, Anmeldungen ab 10 Uhr im Zelt neben der Meeresterrasse.
How NWZonline According to reports, Eisbaden also has a much longer tradition: even historical figures such as Charlemagne and Goethe appreciated this custom. While ice bathing is often practiced in frozen water in Northern Europe, Germans tend to enjoy winter bathing, proving its health benefits.
Overall, many people are drawn to the water despite the winter cold, and bathing remains an integral part of the North German New Year tradition. Whether for tradition or for health reasons - every swimmer should be careful and considerate of themselves and their fellow swimmers.